Visiting Fairbanks: Living it up in Alaska's Interior

A few of our highest recommendations:

The natural hot springs, nature setting, and the wildlife views available there are amazing any time of year. But you'll definitely find some of the most incredible winter experiences to be found in Alaska at Chena Hot Springs. Sitting in the hot water and gazing up at the Aurora Views or Arctic stars, touring the ice museum, and experiencing fresh local produce in winter from the geo-thermal powered greenhouse are just the beginning of the once-in-a-lifetime adventures you'll find there.

Starting at the end of February, you can see the work of the planet's finest ice sculptures who gather from the world over to compete for prizes in either single and multi-block competitions. The artistry you'll see is unsurpassed, and the ice park surrounding the sculptures invites amazing play for all ages: spinning ice baskets, ice castles, ice slides, ice mazes and ice skating rinks are a few of the frozen treats you can enjoy between hot cocoa from the concession building.

It's best to see it in both the bright shining sunlight of day, as well as the nighttime when the reflective glow of the display lights make the sculptures truly take on a new life.

Run by the city of Fairbanks, Pioneer Park is a stretch of 44 acres along the Chena River which includes conserved cabins and buildings from downtown historic Fairbanks, playgrounds and picnic areas, art exhibits, gift shops, miniature golf, and a train ride. Some of the museums and amusement areas charge minimal admission, but entrance to the park is completely free.

Whether you're a superfan of cars or not, this automobile museum is a world-class gem. Many of these restored cars are the last of their kind left, and seeing the innovations of style and engineering of years past is truly riveting. This place is one of THE surprise delights of Fairbanks, simply because much of what you'll find you can only see here.

BLACK SPRUCE DOG SLEDDING

Black Spruce Dog Sledding

These guys can offer you so much more than a ride...

This is a genuine working dog team, run by Iditarod racer Jeff Deeter, and they offer you an entire interactive and educational experience. They give you a chance to spend actual time up close with the dogs, so you will get a chance to see and explore something fun no matter what the season. Because - as you'll see - a professional dog team has work to do all year round. And Black Spruce can give you an authentic look into why they love what they do!

Fairbanks is a River town. And during the summer months of ice-free, open waters, one of the pioneer families of our frontier city still operate a sternwheeler boat and give historical tours of the area.

This is not an ordinary boat, and you won't get an ordinary ride. Village tours, bush pilot demonstrations on the water, and a gift shop & dining hall at Steamboat Landing are a few of the offerings that make this far and away one of the very top destinations for visitors who come to Fairbanks.

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS MUSEUM OF THE NORTH

UAF Museum of the North

Alaska history, Alaskan wildlife, Alaska natural phenomenon, and Alaskan artistic wonders.... You will get a concentrated, fascinating, and beautiful taste of all of these at the UAF Museum. Whether you're looking to learn something unexpected, see something amazing, or have an enriching sensory experience - or even just buy some nice gifts and take some great photos - coming to the UAF museum won't leave you disappointed.